HOISINGTON — The look of downtown Hoisington will soon change when Casey’s General Store purchases a large amount of property in Hoisington. The closing date on the sale is Nov. 26.
 They will offer gas pumps and a bakery and pizza shop in downtown Hoisington, across the street from the Cerv’s. City Manager Jonathan Mitchell said they intend to raze some of the older buildings, including the old Gambinos, the old VFW, and a couple of houses on the block.
“It’s a pretty significant project,” he said. Although discussion has been ongoing for several months, things are “moving pretty quickly.”
The Hoisington City Council approved last Monday Ordinance 1504 which would vacate alleys in Block 45 of the original town addition to the city. This would include vacating alleys between Main Street and Walnut Street from Railroad to Broadway Ave. The city reserved utility easements.
The Office
The Main Street building known as the Office, 171 S. Main, was purchased at the Barton County tax sale held in October by the city of Hoisington. Mitchell reports 7-8 dumpsters of debris has been removed, including trash and old lumber.
The city worked out a real estate agreement with Pinkies LLC owned by Melinda Thompson who plans to open a restaurant.
Any improvements or upgrades needed to operate a restaurant will be borne by the tenant. Pinkies will take possession not later than March 1, 2015.
After Pinkies takes possession, they will be responsible for payment of real estate and personal property tax and pay the city $500 per month in rent, which will be used to reimburse the city for all acquisition costs, materials cost in cleaning the building and improvements.